Mark Gresens Obituary

Mark Gresens, 69, was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, son, and friend who unexpectedly left this world on February 1, 2025.
Mark was a devoted husband of 45 years to Karen Leslie. On New Year's Eve in 1979, Karen and Mark tied the knot in a YMCA gym in Staten Island. Their wedding is a true testament that it is not the wedding that matters but the love and commitment that you promise on that day. New Year's Eve celebrations will always be a reminder of the love they shared and the life they built together.
Mark was the son of the late Arthur and Jeanne Gresens and brother to Karen Barden (Marty) of Canandaigua, New York.
Mark is survived by his four greatest treasures, his daughters; Lauren Tassini (John Tassini), Kathryn Gresens, Megan Gresens (Devin Hurst), and Sydene Corrigan (John Corrigan).
Just as he thought his love couldn't expand more, Mark became a grandfather. He is survived by his six grandchildren; Desmond, Daniel, Caoimhe, Eoghan, Nicholas, and Beau; who will all be raised to honor the best parts of their grandfather in their daily lives, such as his patience, kindness, and compassion.
Mark grew up in Canandaigua, New York. He attended Springfield College where he studied Community Leadership and Development. Mark held many positions in the YMCA where he exemplified the core values of the organization. He ended his professional career working for the YMCA of the USA. Through all of his experiences and roles in the Y, Mark's favorite job was being a stay-at-home dad where he was able to spend the days with his daughters. Often when people learned that Mark was the dad of four daughters, they would jokingly express their sympathy but those who knew him well knew that he loved nothing more than being a "girl dad".
Mark had an enjoyment for the small things in life. Whether it was a slow morning with the Providence Journal crossword puzzle or a movie night with his grandkids, there was always joy to be found.
Mark found a love for tennis later in his life. He began this journey at Centre Court in East Providence. He volunteered countless hours to the Providence Tennis Academy, formerly SPOT Tennis, at Roger Williams Park. Mark created a community where everyone felt welcome and included. You could find him on any given day sending personalized texts to each person, setting up matches that ensured everyone had a great time.
He had a rare gift of making everyone feel important, leaving a lasting impact on those who were lucky enough to cross paths with him. As we mourn this devastating loss, we are inviting those who were touched by Mark's impact to join us to celebrate his life.
Visiting hours will be held on Friday, February 7, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Barrett and Cotter Funeral Home, 1328 Warwick Avenue, Warwick.
Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Service at 10 a.m. on Saturday February 8, 2025, at Warwick Central Baptist Church at 3270 Post Road in Warwick, Warwick. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the YMCA of Greater Providence 33 Broad Street Suite 303 Providence, RI 02903 to help ensure that all who wish to participate in the Y can, regardless of ability to pay.